Dealing with a "scaredycat"

How to deal with a cat who

*Seemed depressed
*wont eat or drink
*wont socialize
*hides
*marks your furniture

AND SO ON

We all want a social lap-pet, right? I mean we probably didn't get our little furchild with the hopes that it would hide from us, pee on our belongings, and acts depressed all of the time.

Something to understand...cats are different than dogs, they aren't crazy and excited and wanting to go for a walk or have their bellys rubbed 24/7. They are however great companion animals and yes, they do enjoy some attention and ear scratching.

Kovu (my cat) came from an animal shelter where he had been for roughly a year. He is BEAUTIFUL and had been adopted three times within that year... just to be returned within the week because he had a "displeasing disposition"...

When i said i wanted to adopt him the lady was very honest with me and actually tried to talk me out of choosing him and tried to show me the other cats in the shelter...but i had already fallen in love with Kovu and knew that he was the cat for me! At 3 1/2 years old i knew his chances of getting adopted (especially with the lady detouring people) were slim to none, and that cage was way to small and smelly and cold for such a pretty cat!

So, after some struggle and hissing, we got him home...when i let him out...he went RIGHT UNDER THE BED. I waited for him to come out (around 2 hours ...) and then i blocked under the bed and set up his litterbox and laid a blanket in a cardboard box for him. I checked on him a few times and he just ignored me and hissed if i came too close...

this went on for two days, then I knew it was time to change it!

here is what i did (and already, less than two weeks later, I have a cuddly cat who greets me, pees in appropriate places, loves to be pet, and loves me almost as much as i love him)

*I showed him love and comfort. I bought him a real pet bed, and a nice litterbox, provided him with wet food and fresh water, and scratched his neck every time i walked by him. The second he laid down in his new bed he started purring...its amazing how broken animals really just need a soft bed and some good food to make them feel comfortable and happy!

*I bought some "natures pet anti anxiety water additive" for cats and put the dosage in his water....I am raving about this product....RAVING!

*I let him pet me. I didnt force anything, i just put my hand out and let him show interest. also I avoided picking him up, and still keep that to a minimum.


* I didnt give up on him! I dont care what that lady said...hes a great cat and hes purrfect for my family and myself and I wouldnt have him any other way!

I just called the shelter and asked to speak with the lady and I told her we wouldnt be returning Kovu and that things were fine and he is an amazing companion. She sounded shocked, and when she asked what I did, i simply said "everything i could!"

Dont give up! Keep pushing, hopefully your kitty will come around soon <3